Gurkha is known for long-aged tobacco, dramatic packaging and a handful of headline releases, including His Majesty's Reserve. This guide covers the Gurkha lines people ask about most, with the blend details Gurkha publishes for each.
The Gurkha Story
Gurkha takes its name from the Gurkha soldiers of Nepal, but the brand has no geographic connection to Nepal. Its founder and owner is Kaizad Hansotia.
The lines in this guide are all made in the Dominican Republic, according to Gurkha. They run from mild, creamy cigars to medium-to-full blends built on long-aged filler, and several Gurkha lines are named for the age of their tobacco.
Gurkha Lines
Gurkha Cellar Reserve
Cellar Reserve is built on long-aged Dominican tobacco. The 15 Year pairs a Dominican Criollo '98 wrapper and a Dominican Olor binder with 15-year-old Dominican filler, and Gurkha rates it medium to full. Sizes: Koi (4 x 58), Solara (5 x 58), Hedonism (6 x 58), Kraken (6 x 60) and Prisoner (7 x 54). The family also includes the Edición Especial 18 Year, the 21 Year, the Limitada 15 Year Maduro and the Platinum Edition 12 Year.
Gurkha Ghost
Ghost wears a dark Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper over a Criollo '98 binder, with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. Gurkha rates it medium to full and describes sweet, earthy undertones with cocoa and cinnamon. Sizes: Shadow (5 x 52), Asura (6 x 54) and Exorcist (6 x 60).
Gurkha His Majesty's Reserve
His Majesty's Reserve is Gurkha's headline release. Gurkha describes a 15-year Connecticut Maduro wrapper over 12-year Dominican binder and filler, aged with cognac; Cigar Aficionado identifies the cognac as Louis XIII. It is made in a single size, a 7½ x 52 Churchill, in very small numbers, and Gurkha rates it mild to medium.
Gurkha The Beauty
The Beauty is the gentle end of the range: a Connecticut wrapper over Dominican binder and filler, rated mild to medium, with a smooth, creamy profile and notes of chestnut, vanilla and caramel. One size: the XO, 6½ x 60.
Gurkha at Sun of a Gun
Gurkha is part of the humidor at Sun of a Gun Cigars & Spirits, 1651 S Arizona Ave, Yuma, Arizona. Choose from the humidor and settle in with a pour from the bar. Sunday to Thursday 9am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am; 928-276-3500.
Gurkha Cigars FAQ
Where are Gurkha cigars made?
Cellar Reserve, Ghost, His Majesty's Reserve and The Beauty are all made in the Dominican Republic, according to Gurkha. Despite the name, Gurkha has no connection to Nepal; the name was inspired by the Gurkha soldiers.
What is the most expensive Gurkha cigar?
His Majesty's Reserve, which Gurkha itself describes as the world's most expensive cigar. It is aged with cognac — Louis XIII, according to Cigar Aficionado — and made in very small numbers in a single 7½ x 52 Churchill size.
Are Gurkha cigars good?
That depends on the line and on your palate. Gurkha's range runs from mild, creamy cigars like The Beauty to medium-to-full blends like Cellar Reserve and Ghost, so start with the body you already enjoy.
